1930s: West 100th and Broadway

By Caitlin Hawke

Two oldie-but-goodie postcards of the Whitehall building -- also known as Hotel Whitehall -- on the southwest corner of West 100th Street and Broadway. Have you ever contemplated the bizarre dining room at Turkuaz? Long, low-ceilinged. Odd. Sort of perfect for the belly dancing that goes on at peak hours.

Truth be told, I rarely go, but when I do, I find myself opting for the front room. When I stumbled on the second image here, it all made sense. That funky draped ceiling conceals an urban archaeologist's treasure. The balcony of the old "Pompeian" room. Next time, I am having my döner kebob Italian-style!

Thank you for the glorious postcards, Caitlin. Especially, the Pompeian Room at the Whitehall. And more especially, that stunning, unusual balcony. I should have put two and two together regarding Turkuaz's position in all this, but I didn't, So, for that, thanks, as well. My own treasured tidbit about the Whitehall (I hope I'm correct) is that George Gershwin, seeking privacy after the bustle of activity at his brownstone at 316 West 103rd (his parents lived there, too) would repair at times to a room in the Whitehall, equipped with a piano--where he would practice and compose in solitary peace and quiet. (EDITED)